Volcanoes in the Great Barrier Reef?

Question

Was there ever at any point in time a volcano in the great barrier reef? I thought atolls develop from volcanic islands, and the coral grow around them.

Answer 1

The great barrier reef developed within a depth range along the eastern coast of Australia. There is no atoll involved. Atolls are not necessary for the formation of reefs - water depth, temperature,,salinity, and clarity play important parta. Atolls develop around volcanoes because of the above mentioned factors.